Celebrating Ustad Sher Zaman's Calligraphic Legacy
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On July 26, 2024, the Gurmani Centre for Language and Literature at LUMS celebrated the opening of ‘A Life in the Service of Pen’, a beautifully curated exhibition honouring the masterful calligrapher Ustad Sher Zaman, the in-house calligrapher of the Centre.
The event offered a captivating display of Sher Zaman’s calligraphic prowess, highlighting his profound contributions to the art form. The exhibition featured an impressive array of Sher Zaman’s work, including calligraphic panels executed in traditional nasta‘līq, thuluth, and naskh scripts. These works encompassed Quranic verses, poetry, and literary texts in Urdu, Persian, Punjabi, and Pashto, that were celebrated for their intricate design and nuance.
The opening ceremony featured a poignant tribute to Sher Zaman, with Founding Pro Chancellor, LUMS Syed Babar Ali reflecting on their 50-year association. He praised his exceptional talent and lasting impact, stating, “Learning calligraphy well is not simple; it requires hard work. I request those who are fond of writing and calligraphy to learn from him because you won’t find such a teacher elsewhere. We are extremely fortunate that he is with us today, and I pray that he stays with us for a long time.” He also eloquently compared Sher Zaman’s work to music, describing his ability to create “music with a pen.”
A panel discussion brought together Sher Zaman, curator Taimoor Khan Mumtaz, architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz, and calligrapher Syed Sajid Abbar Naqvi. Their dialogue explored the nuances of traditional calligraphy, including Sher Zaman’s rigorous practice, the historical influences of his mentors, and the enduring significance of the art form.
Reflecting on his work, Sher Zaman shared his philosophy on the art of calligraphy, “Every person values ‘good’ things; good voice, good garments, good house, good car, etc. So why should handwriting not be good? The more you train and practice writing, the better you get at it. Just like music.”
Sher Zaman shared personal anecdotes about his artistic journey and the intense dedication required to master calligraphy. His reflections on the contributions of influential figures such as Sufi Khurshid Alam, Hafiz Yusuf Siddiqui, and Syed Nafees Hussaini provided insights into the evolution of calligraphic techniques and styles.
